(Courtesy of Parkview Pharmacy) Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in the U.S. It happens to one in five women in their lifetime, mainly those between the age of 16-35. It is four times more common in females than males.

There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to developing UTIs, some of which include a history of urinary tract infections in first-degree female relatives, recent antibiotics use or diabetes.

Some of the symptoms for lower UTIs are urinary pain, urgency, frequency and urination during the night.

Upper UTI systemic symptoms are fever/malaise, nausea, vomiting and flank pain.

The best way to diagnose a UTI is through a urine culture.

Treatment options include Nitrofurantoin monohydrate/macrocrystals, Trimthoprim/ulfamethoxazole; Fosfomycin/trometamol, fluoroquinolones and ß-lactams.

Adjunct therapies include:

1: Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (AZO), which is a urinary tract analgesic (pain killer).

2: Fluid hydration for rapid dilution of bacteria.

3: Cranberry supplementation (more effective in people with recurrent UTIs and females).

4: Lactobacillus probiotics to decrease vaginal PH.

Parkview Pharmacy is located at 1430 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck.

To reach the pharmacy, call (201) 837-6368; visit the website at www.rxparkview.com.;
or stop by the pharmacy.